96% of people who go out in the Cimetière d’Ixelles area, a popular nightlife area for many of the city’s students, have witnessed at least one instance of gender-based violence or sexual harassment.
In October 2021, the area came under fire as numerous bars were accused by the #BalanceTonBar movement of being the location of a number of sexual offences, the most serious of which was the accusation of bartenders drugging women.
Over 1,000 people took to the streets of Ixelles to protest, prompting the commune to conduct an audit on the perception of their nightlife before deciding which measures to implement in these bars.
The findings of this investigation, which The Brussels Times was able to access, show that nearly all respondents had witnessed sexual harassment at least once, the majority (53%) experienced sexual harassment or assault themselves, and 28.7% had been subjected to it on multiple occasions.
Additionally, 15% of respondents had been drugged without their knowledge and 11.9% had been a victim of sexual assault. Strikingly, the report also showed that 90% of those surveyed would rather turn to their friends than to the relevant authorities, and only 36% of respondents would contact the police.
All in all, only 28% felt they didn’t have to be vigilant when visiting these bars, and only 12% of them feel safer since the #BalanceTonBar movement gained traction last October.
Seems like there's a lot of work to be done. Let @Maajtee know how you feel about it.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your lunch break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Belgian King and Queen leave for state visit to Congo
After the official visit has already been postponed three times in two years, Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will finally be leaving on a week-long state visit to Congo on Tuesday, the Palace announced. Read more.
2. Majority of people going out in Ixelles have borne witness to sexual harassment
In October 2021, Brussels’ nightlife came under fire as numerous bars in the Cimetière d’Ixelles area, a popular night out destination for many of the city’s students, were accused by the #BalanceTonBar movement of being the location of a number of sexual offences. Read more.
3. Where to find the best coffee in Brussels
Coffee is a quintessential drink enjoyed by many either first thing in the morning or as an energy boost in the afternoon. Moreover, Belgium is one of the top 10 countries to consume coffee, with 6.8 kg per person a year. Read more.
4. Boris Johnson survives no-confidence vote despite huge internal rebellion
After being greeted by a chorus of boos at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations last weekend, British PM Boris Johnson survived a vote of no confidence on Monday night to remain the head of the Conservative Party and retain his premiership. Read more.
5. Brussels Airlines employees threaten three-day strike
A busy summer period at Brussels Airport could see disruptions for Brussels Airlines customers as employees are threatening to hold a three-day strike due in protest of the current working conditions. Read more.
6. Belgium’s first ever ‘turbo traffic square’ sparks confusion
Belgium has opened a ‘turbo traffic square’ on the R4 around Ghent, reported VRT News. However, its construction and implementation have led to confusion, including about what a ‘turbo traffic square’ even is. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: The Carillon Concerts
The distinctive sound of carillon bells fills the streets of many Belgian cities. But Mechelen is the undisputed capital of the carillon. Read more.
